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Lauross

Q: how do i connect an older receiver to my mac mini

I can connect it with a standard 3.5 mm plug, but only one speaker plays.  If I connect my ear buds (they have 3 rings on them) it plays in stereo,,,Help!

iPhone 5s, iOS 7.1

Posted on Jan 26, 2016 5:39 PM

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Q: how do i connect an older receiver to my mac mini

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  • by lllaass,

    lllaass lllaass Jan 27, 2016 1:01 AM in response to Lauross
    Level 10 (189,522 points)
    Desktops
    Jan 27, 2016 1:01 AM in response to Lauross

    What connectors are on the receiver?

    You can get y-cables that combine separate L and R into a single 3.5 mm stereo plug

  • by John Lockwood,Helpful

    John Lockwood John Lockwood Jan 27, 2016 5:16 AM in response to Lauross
    Level 6 (9,349 points)
    Servers Enterprise
    Jan 27, 2016 5:16 AM in response to Lauross

    There are three main types of 3.5mm mini jack plug.

     

    • A mono version which has a 'tip' and separated from that by a plastic strip the rest of the plug which is called the 'screen' or 'sleeve'
    • A stereo version which has a 'tip' a 'ring' and the 'sleeve' each separate by a plastic strip
    • A stereo version with the addition of a second 'ring' which is used for the remote control signals used for example on smartphone headsets

     

    62264107_TRRS.GIF

     

    If you are using a mono cable then you only get a mono output.

     

    Of course it maybe that your cable is damaged if it does have a stereo plug at both ends.

  • by Lauross,

    Lauross Lauross Jan 27, 2016 5:17 AM in response to Lauross
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 27, 2016 5:17 AM in response to Lauross

    I have tried that, it does not work.  I feel like it doesn't go in all the way.

  • by Lauross,

    Lauross Lauross Jan 27, 2016 5:18 AM in response to John Lockwood
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jan 27, 2016 5:18 AM in response to John Lockwood

    This is a great illustration!  This is what I feel I need.    A TRRS with the red and white audio end on the other end.  Looking for that today, hoping to resolve my stereo issue.  My mac does not seem to recognize my receiver, so I assume it is the tip not going in all the way  Thanks!

  • by John Lockwood,

    John Lockwood John Lockwood Jan 27, 2016 5:33 AM in response to Lauross
    Level 6 (9,349 points)
    Servers Enterprise
    Jan 27, 2016 5:33 AM in response to Lauross

    You only need a TRS i.e. standard stereo cable. A TRRS is as I mentioned to include support for remote control functions and therefore only applicable to the headsets used by iPhones etc.